the next wave of solar pv installers: training and

THE NEXT WAVE OF SOLAR PV INSTALLERS: TRAINING AND OCCUPATIONAL STANDARDS

NOVA SCOTIA RESIDENTIAL

SOLAR MARKET OUTLOOK

AND LABOUR FORCE STUDY

FINAL REPORT

APRIL 2019

DUNSKY ENERGY CONSULTING

The forecasted residential solar PV deployment in

Nova Scotia will support up to 1,170 local jobs by

2030; 52% of these jobs are in the installation

skillset.

Nova Scotia’s existing labour force has the

necessary skills to address market needs, however

(has) limited experience in solar installation

The “community” in Nova Scotia Community College is

at the heart of why we exist and what we do.

NSCC’s campuses are economic and social catalysts in

the communities they serve. They are community

assets that provide Nova Scotians with inclusive and

flexible access to the core literacies and the

specialized, industry-driven training required for

tomorrow’s workforce.

NSCC’S

DISTINCT

INNOVATION

OPPORTUNITY

Program Development Process

Industry feedbackNSCC’S

DISTINCT

INNOVATION

OPPORTUNITY

ACADEMIC QUALITY

PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV)

PANEL INSTALLATION

TRAINING

Overview

As energy prices rise, more Nova Scotians are

supplementing their traditional home systems

with solar power. The Photovoltaic (PV) Panel

Installation Training program, offered in

partnership with the Nova Scotia Department of

Energy and Mines, was created in response to

this growing trend.

Learn the techniques

of installing and

maintaining solar

panels (photovoltaic

systems).

https://energy.novascotia.ca/

PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV)

PANEL INSTALLATION

TRAINING

Overview

This training is aimed at anyone wanting to

learn the techniques of installing and

maintaining photovoltaic systems (solar

panels).

NOTE: You will not be licensed or trained on

connection to, or connection of, electrical

components, which are the roles of a certified

electrician.


of installing and

maintaining solar


systems).

PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV)

PANEL INSTALLATION

TRAINING

Course Description

This course is intended to provide the

knowledge and skills necessary for the

installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels on a roof

or ground level.

Learners will be introduced to the concepts of

solar electricity generation and operation of PV

panels.


of installing and

maintaining solar


systems).

PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV)

PANEL INSTALLATION

TRAINING

Course Description

Course activities include theory, equipment,

support components and installation labs for

these systems.

Safety considerations will be reviewed for each

lab installation.


of installing and

maintaining solar


systems).

PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV)

PANEL INSTALLATION

TRAINING

Program highlights

Introduction to the concepts of solar electricity

generation and the operation of PV panels

Course modules include technical and safety

training

Small class sizes provide an opportunity to ask

questions, apply your learning and share

knowledge


of installing and

maintaining solar


systems).

PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV)

PANEL INSTALLATION

TRAINING

Learning Outcome 1

Describe various aspects of solar energy and

related terms

Describe the sun’s path across the sky during the course of the day and throughout the year.

Describe advantages and challenges with PV.

Describe safety hazards related to PV installations.

Demonstrate safe working practices relating to PV panels and arrays.


of installing and

maintaining solar


systems).

PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV)

PANEL INSTALLATION

TRAINING

Learning Outcome 2

Explain the PV panel manufacturer ratings.

Read and interpret manufacturer data

sheets.

Calculate Voc and Isc and describe how each

is used.

Describe how the I/V curves are affected by

the solar irradiance.


of installing and

maintaining solar


systems).

PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV)

PANEL INSTALLATION

TRAINING

Learning Outcome 3

Calculate series and parallel connections of PV

panels.

Calculate string sizing for a given system.

Calculate array size for a given system.

Using the Canadian Electric Code (CEC),

calculate wire sizing for the string and array.


of installing and

maintaining solar


systems).

PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV)

PANEL INSTALLATION

TRAINING

Learning Outcome 4

Describe the differences between string and

micro-inverters.

Read and interpret manufacturer data

sheets.

Calculate maximum string and array size for

a particular string inverter.

Select PV panels for a micro-inverter system.


of installing and

maintaining solar


systems).

PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV)

PANEL INSTALLATION

TRAINING

Learning Outcome 5

Explain the different types of racking systems

available.

Read and interpret manufacturer data sheets.

Demonstrate the proper installation of a penetrating truss and rafter racking system.

Demonstrate the proper installation of a non-penetrating truss and rafter racking system.

Demonstrate the proper installation of a flat-roof ballasted racking system


of installing and

maintaining solar


systems).

PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV)

PANEL INSTALLATION

TRAINING

Learning Outcome 6

Explain wire management involved in mounting PV panels and micro-inverters to racking systems (including bonding).

Read and interpret manufacturer data sheets.

Demonstrate wire management on the different types of racking systems, with and without micro-inverters.

Demonstrate how to bond the racking and PV panels as per the Canadian Electric Code (CEC).

Demonstrate how to attach and make connections between PV panels.

Demonstrate how to attach PV panels to micro-inverters and maximum number of inverters per circuit.


of installing and

maintaining solar


systems).

PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV)

PANEL INSTALLATION

TRAINING

Learning Outcome 7

Explain the function of a battery in the PV system.

Battery types and characteristics

Load calculations

Charging, discharging and sizing

Manufacturer specifications


of installing and

maintaining solar


systems).

PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV)

PANEL INSTALLATION

TRAINING

Participant Safety Requirements

Hazard Identification

Lock Out Certification

NS OHS

WHMIS

Fall Arrest Certification

Standard Level First Aid


of installing and

maintaining solar


systems).

PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV)

PANEL INSTALLATION

TRAINING

Participant Safety Requirements

Why am I required to have these courses?

The quick answer is that the College is required by

law to make sure all students have this education

and training.

More than that, they are part of NSCC's

commitment to safe and healthy learning

environments and workplaces. This includes

preparing our learners for employment, ensuring

each is aware of the safety considerations for their

line of work.


of installing and

maintaining solar


systems).

PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV)

PANEL INSTALLATION

TRAINING

Participant Development

Demonstrated skills and knowledge

development

Safety awareness, legal requirements and safe

work procedures

Best practice discussion and demonstration


of installing and

maintaining solar


systems).

PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV)

PANEL INSTALLATION

TRAINING

Participant Development

Peer-supported learning and community

building

Practice baseline professional expectations

Introduce roofing materials considerations

Develop customer-installer standards


of installing and

maintaining solar


systems).

PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV)

PANEL INSTALLATION

TRAINING

PV “Next Wave” Installer Skills Development

Multiple deliveries around province- 40+

participants completed course

Continued NS DoE support- ongoing training

opportunities around province

Positive feedback from participants


of installing and

maintaining solar


systems).

the next wave of solar pv installers: training and

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